Whilst the first part of the South Atlantic crossing took place in very mild weather, the crew of Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam has to deal with several large, very deep depressions. The second leg starts in Punta Del Este (Argentina) and ends in Cape Town, South Africa.
One reef, then two then three to finish also under a storm, the weather is rough with winds well above 70 knots gusting to well over 70 knots and waves estimated at over 10 m. Fortunately, the competitors are racing on a 70-foot yacht adapted to these muscular navigations.
If living conditions on board are difficult with humidity everywhere and no dry places, you still have to find time to eat and rest. A challenge when the boat is upwind in 50 knots of wind and hitting every wave.
But when you're in a race, you don't complain. These are the kinds of conditions that the crew members who pay for their passage on board came to get. Sailing in the South Seas offers splendid shows, but is well deserved. Hugo also gives us beautiful images of this raging sea.
